When I think about what I want to share in this newsletter, the very first thing that comes to mind is gratitude. I started WorkIT Coworking Center going on 9 years ago, and I’m still humbled (often to the point of tears) by the people who have invested, encouraged, and challenged me.

Because of that support, I recently took a big step: I was able to purchase two additional buildings in downtown Stillwater. This is more than a real estate milestone for me, it’s a meaningful move toward a dream I’ve had for years: to build a fulfilling career as an entrepreneur by helping others build fulfilling careers as entrepreneurs.

Many of you may remember that I was looking to expand the coworking center. I had my eye on a particular building, and then it sold to someone else.

That was a setback but I’m far enough along in my journey now to truly believe this: most of the hard or disappointing things that happen in life are actually pathways to something better than what we originally planned. And once again, that proved true. What looked like a closed door became a redirection… and then an opportunity.

As I step into this next chapter, I’ll also say this clearly: I’m not alone. I have support from the most important parts of my personal life and my career, and I’m deeply thankful for that.

How you can support this shared vision right now - There’s a very real and practical way you can help: support the businesses that already call these buildings home. These five existing downtown businesses would genuinely appreciate your patronage:

• Stilly Floral - 918 S Main
• JRPMTS Marketing Agency - 922 S Main
• Denis the Jeweler - 924 S Main
• Small World Supper Club - 106 1/2 W 10th (not open yet but holding pop-ups at other locations)
• Tokyo Pot - 108 W 10th

We’re also excited to welcome two new organizations into the office space at 920 S Main:

• Momentum on Main - a hopefully soon-to-be-certified business incubator
• LaunchPoint Foundation - a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit that exists to support new entrepreneurs, the business incubator, and a planned pre-accelerator program.

And here’s something especially meaningful I learned along the way: one of the buildings I purchased had a restaurant that was owned by my great-grandparents! They had the first café on the northwest corner of 10th and Main around 100 years ago. We don’t know the original name, but it later became Tiny’s Café, which my Great-Aunt Ruby eventually bought and ran.

To realize that the pioneer spirit in my family has come full circle, right back to that same corner, is a reminder that this work matters, and that building community is part of my story.

Once again, thank you for the support, the encouragement, and the belief - not just in me, but in what we’re building for Downtown Stillwater. I can’t wait to share more as the next steps unfold.